A peer-to-peer client to connect both Skype, GTalk and cellphones

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In the always less PC-based and more-VoIP on mobile trend, there’s a new player in town. Fring, a UK-based startup that offers a client for cellphones, uses proprietary peer-to-peer technology to connect members of their networks and allows them to call for free.

Currently, Fring is in private beta with a few hundred hand picked users. You can try it out by downloading their client on their site. We’ve also got this email exchange with Roy Timor-Rousso, VP Product Marketing for Fring.

21talks: What is Fring’s business model?

ROY TIMOR-ROUSSO: The Fring service is completely free [which means you only pay for 3G services to your usual mobile phone operator - from us]. When we begin to see larger volumes of usage, we’ll explore ways in which we can open revenue streams - but Fring communications will always remain absolutely free! We’re already in early discussions with potential [undisclosed] partners to develop add-on functionalities on top of the basic service that will provide potential revenue.

Fring works on a selection of mobile handsets over 3G networks. Users can communicate through fring to call another fringster or to call their Skype or GoogleTalk buddies or use SkypeOut (if you have) to call PSTN / GSM destinations.

How your client support Google Talk and Skype on mobile?

We use a proprietary adaptive protocol which optimizes itself to the network capabilities and characteristics. Our proprietary protocol enabled us to build a very small client with minimum network requirements. We support Google Talk and Skype as they are open networks that encourage collaboration.

Fring uses your existing data plan rather than incurring airtime charges or SkypeOut minutes like most other services. It is also the only PC independent, completely free mobile VoIP service that works anywhere, anytime.

Compare to competitors, Eqo or iSkoot for example, how better Fring is?

Eqo, iSkoot and others are valid and good services, although they offer a different service to fring.

  • EQO has positioned itself as a Skype extender with a call-back operator service;
  • SoonR you need to leave your PC on;
  • iSkoot offers cheaper calls through the Skype network whereas fring has its own network entirely which is completely free for fring users. The Skype and GoogleTalk integration is a bonus for fringsters.

Fring is already providing PC VoIP to PC VoIP quality among fringsters. We are constantly pushing the envelope on mobile VoIP to provide an even better user experience in terms of latency and voice quality.

What are Fing’s business development plans?

We’re focused on the UK for now but obviously the nature of the service means it can spread organically across the globe, particularly among expatriate communities who gain great benefit from unlimited free international calls. We’ll look at new markets when the UK has bedded in - largely based on 3G penetration and handset availability with Europe particularly Italy as a next step - then Asia and the US will follow.

Sep 27, 2006 | By Nuno

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